Chargers' Mathews working his way back into starting lineup

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeOctober 11, 2012

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews could return to the starting lineup for the Monday night game against Denver. Mathews' role has expanded the past two weeks while coming off the bench behind Jackie Battle. Mathews was out six weeks with a broken clavicle before coming back as the starter three weeks ago when the Chargers lost to the Atlanta Falcons. He fumbled in the second quarter of that game and Battle has started the past two games. However, Mathews' role has increased and coach Norv Turner remains confident in him, U-T San Diego reported. Matthews carried 12 times for 80 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 59 yards last Sunday against New Orleans. "Every time he has adversity, every time he has a setback, he comes back stronger," Turner told U-T San Diego. "He's done that since he's been here. Every time everyone wants to count him out, he comes back and he's better. He's just a mentally tough guy."